Stay & Cruise package
Turn your 7-night cruise into an exceptional 9-night journey with MSC’s Stay & Cruise packages! From hotel bookings to ship transfers, MSC Cruises offers a comprehensive cruise and stay offer ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.
Planning a Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise this summer? Elevate your experience with an additional 2- or 3-night stay at a 3- or 4-star hotel in Athens, Venice, Rome, Istanbul,
Miami or New York before or after your cruise. With a two-night stay, you'll have ample time to thoroughly explore the city. To enhance your experience with maximum ease and peace of mind, we've included an ashore excursion in our Stay & Cruise packages.
Do you already have a cruise booking? To book your Stay & Cruise Package hotel accommodations call us at 877-665-4655
ENJOY THE BEST CITIES FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY
ROME
If you're planning a Western Mediterranean cruise this summer and would like to explore Rome, book our Stay & Cruise Package with a 2-night stay before or after your cruise in a hotel in Rome and immerse yourself in the Italian capital. With a shore excursion included in the Vatican City, discover the magnificent Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Admire the Colosseum and many other attractions with a bus-guided sightseeing tour until you reach the Vatican Area. Your experience continues into the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica where you'll have an inside guide to lead you.
Available with cruises on the following ships: MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Musica, MSC Seaview, and MSC Seaside departing from Civitavecchia.
ROME
VENICE
If you're planning an Eastern Mediterranean cruise this summer, make your vacation even more memorable with an additional 2-night stay before or after your cruise in a hotel in Venice (Mestre). Our Stay & Cruise Package includes a shore excursion to one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Europe with a 90-minute walking tour into the heart of Venice. After about 25 minutes of panoramic views via a boat transfer along the Giudecca Canal, begin your tour around San Marco, the Clock Tower with its bronze Moors, the Doge's Palace, the renowned Ponte dei Sospiri (“Bridge of Sighs”), and much more.
Available with cruises on the following ships: MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia departing from Venice - Marghera.
VENICE
ATHENS
If you're planning to book an Eastern Mediterranean cruise this summer with Athens at the center of your vacation plans, our Stay & Cruise Package includes a 2-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Athens. When you add a transfer from the hotel to ship, you'll also get to explore the majestic history of Greece on a guided tour and discover the best sites of the Greek capital, such as Constitution Square, Temple of Zeus, the Royal Palace, the old Marble Olympic stadium, and the Acropolis with its world-famous Parthenon.
Available with cruises on the following ships: MSC Opera cruises departing from Piraeus (Athens).
ATHENS
MIAMI
If you’re planning a Caribbean cruise this summer, book an additional 2-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Miami. When you add a transfer from the hotel to ship, you'll also receive a memorable tour of Miami's top attractions and stunning views of Miami's renowned collection of art deco architecture, the largest in the world. Learn how art and music drive the city's dynamic culture from the guided tour that starts in Miami Beach and ends at Port Miami.
Available on the following cruises: MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside cruises departing from Miami.
MIAMI
NEW YORK CITY
This summer, extend your vacation with an additional 2- or 3-night hotel stay in New York City before embarking on your Caribbean cruise. Immerse yourself in "the Big Apple" while staying at hotel in the center of Manhattan. When you add a transfer from the hotel to ship, you'll also get a guided tour that passes the Empire State Building and visits some of the most iconic neighborhoods of New York City such as Greenwich Village, Soho, and Lower Manhattan. As you arrive at Battery Park marvel at the Statue of Liberty, and then take in more iconic areas such as New York Bay, the World Trade Center, Chinatown, Little Italy, and Dumbo before concluding the tour at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.
Available on the following cruises: MSC Meraviglia cruises departing from New York City.
NEW YORK CITY
ISTANBUL
This winter 2024-25, indulge in a 9-night holiday that combines a cruise through Greece and Turkey with the opportunity to discover the beauties of Istanbul. With our Stay & Cruise package, you can enjoy a 2-night stay in a hotel in Istanbul before or after your cruise. An excursion is included, with options for either a full-day or half-day experience, allowing you to explore the most important sites in Istanbul. These include The Hippodrome and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famously known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning its interior walls. You will also have the chance to visit Hagia Sophia, one of the most impressive and historically significant buildings ever constructed, having served as both a church and a mosque. Additionally, you can also explore the neighborhood of Ortakoy and the Dolmabahce Palace.
Available with cruises on MSC Sinfonia departing from Istanbul.
ISTANBUL
more details
What's included in the Stay & Cruise package?
The Stay & Cruise package includes:
- 7 nights cruise
- 2-nights Hotel stay with breakfast included. In New York, a 3-night stay is available.
- Hotel stay in Rome & Venice include a shore excursion (discover the top attractions of the city)
- Transfers (available for an additional cost): For stays before the cruise: Airport/Hotel and Hotel/Ship. For stays after the cruise: Ship/Hotel and Hotel/Airport.Transfers from the hotel to the ship in Miami, New York, and Athens include a shore excursion (discover the top attractions of the city)
For specific details about each destination, call us at 833-230-6047
What hotels are included ?
The Stay & Cruise Package fare offers the following accommodations (bed and breakfast):
- Hotels in Venice - 4 stars hotel B&B accommodation: Stay City Aparthotel or similar
- Hotels in Rome - 4 stars hotel B&B accommodation: Aran Park Occidental Hotel or similar
- Hotels in Athens - 4 stars hotel B&B accommodation: The President Hotel or similar
- Hotels in Miami - 3 stars hotel B&B accommodation (American breakfast): Ocean Five Miami Hotel or similar
- Hotels in New York - 4 stars hotel B&B accommodation (American breakfast): The Shelbourn Sonesta/M Social Hotel Times Square or similar.
- Hotels in Istanbul - 4 stars hotel B&B accommodation: Avantgard Sisli Hotel Collection or similar.
Which excursions are included ?
- ROME – VATICAN CITY (Included with hotel stay)
Guests will embark on an enlightening journey, exploring the majestic Vatican Museums and the iconic Sistine Chapel, all with exclusive skip-the-line access. As guests navigate through these cultural wonders, they will be captivated by the timeless works of old masters such as Michelangelo and Raffaello, showcased in the Pio Clementine Museum, the Belvedere Courtyard, and other remarkable treasures.
Guests will feast their eyes on the exquisite beauty of Michelangelo's La Pietà at St. Peter's Basilica, an experience that transcends artistry and leaves an indelible mark on the soul. This morning excursion is meticulously designed for our guests, featuring transfers from the hotel to Vatican City at 9:00 am and from Vatican City back to the hotel at 6:30 pm. Let this journey be a source of inspiration, awe, and spiritual reflection as guests immerse themselves in the profound artistic legacy of Vatican City.
- VENICE (Included with hotel stay)
Guests will embark on an inspiring 90-minute walking tour into the heart of Venice, a journey devoid of entrances. After a scenic 25-minute panoramic boat transfer, guests are poised to commence their exploration around San Marco, Venice's most famous square.
Guided by insightful commentary into the history of Venice, guests will admire the Marciana Library, the Loggetta del Sansovino, the imposing bell tower of San Marco, and the Clock Tower adorned with its bronze Moors. The Procuratie Vecchie and Procuratie Nuove, embracing the square, provide a timeless backdrop, alongside the magnificent San Marco’s Basilica.
Adjacent to this architectural marvel stands the Doge's Palace, a pinnacle of Venetian Gothic, once the official residence of the Doges and the center of Serenissima’s power. Guests will stroll next to the renowned Ponte dei Sospiri (“Bridge of Sighs”), connecting the Palace to the Prisons. The guide will lead guests through the famous Venetian streets to the Grand Canal, offering a splendid view of the Rialto Bridge.
As the morning excursion unfolds, guests are encouraged to enjoy free time for lunch in a typical local restaurant (optional and not included) or explore the countless shops in the area. This tailor-made experience for guests includes morning transfers from the hotel to Piazzale Roma and from Piazzale Roma to the hotel (timings to be confirmed by the assistant).
“Chorus Pass”: free for MSC Guests MSC Guests who decide to spend two nights in Venice with the Stay and Cruise pack will receive a complimentary "Chorus Pass" providing access to selected churches in Venice. Additionally, pass holders enjoy discounts at the Scuola Dalmata dei Santi Giorgio e Trifone and Scuola Grande dei Carmini.
- ATHENS (Included with hotel to ship transfer)
After breakfast, guests are invited to join their tour guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a bus panoramic tour of the historic center of Athens.
The tour includes key landmarks such as Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium. Guests will then explore the city's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Acropolis—during a fully guided tour. They will explore the iconic site, accompanied by insightful commentary from the tour guide.
As the journey continues, guests are encouraged to stroll through the narrow streets of Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Here, they can indulge in the flavors of a popular Souvlaki wrap. After this culinary delight, guests will rejoin their bus, which will transport them to Piraeus port for embarkation.
The morning excursion begins at the hotel and concludes at Piraeus Port, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for all guests.
- MIAMI (Included with hotel to ship transfer)
Guests will embark on a captivating journey to discover the magic of Miami on this fascinating city tour, immersing themselves in its rich history along the way. The adventure unfolds in the Art Deco district of South Beach, a city renowned for providing an exceptional setting embraced by photographers, filmmakers, actors, supermodels, and fashion designers.
As the tour progresses, guests will traverse one of the bridges leading to the towering skyscrapers of Downtown, venture into the Financial District, and experience the vibrant culture of Little Havana, immersing themselves in the true essence of Miami's Cuban heritage. The exploration continues through the beautiful surrounding neighborhoods of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's diverse and captivating character.
The duration of this enriching experience is approximately 4 hours, with hotel pick-up scheduled between 8:30 am and 9 am. The tour concludes at Miami Port, perfectly timed for guests to embark on their next adventure. Let the magic of Miami come to life for our guests, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the city's dynamic tapestry.
- NEW YORK (Included with hotel to ship transfer)
Departing from the hotel in Midtown Manhattan, Guests will head southbound and will pass by The New York Public Library and the Empire State Building up to the Flatiron district. The tour will follow with the Washington Square Park, with a look at some of trendiest neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village, Soho and Lower Manhattan, passing by City Hall, down to Manhattan southwest point at Battery Park, where it is possible to spot the Statue of Liberty and New York Bay. Guests will make our back northbound passing by the World Trade Center, arriving in Chinatown and Little Italy. Finally, they will leave Manhattan to reach Dumbo in Brooklyn, ending the tour. Duration approx. 3 hours with hotel pick up scheduled for 8:30 am - 9 am Tour will end at Brooklyn Port (around 11:30 - 12:00) for embarkation.
- ISTANBUL
Half Day Istanbul - Ortakoy & Dolmabahce Palace Tour: Resembling both a small center of daily life and a coastal borough, Ortakoy is one of the must see places for everyone visiting Istanbul. You will see the beautiful Buyuk Mecidiye Mosque; a Neo-Baroque building, right on the waterfront that has recently undergone major renovation works. Reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of a neighbourhood where Turks, Armenians, Greeks, and Jews historically lived side by side, you can also see the Etz-Ahayim synagogue, which is located close to the Bosphorus Bridge and the Greek Orthodox church of Aya Fokas (St Phocas). In the same area is one of Istanbul’s oldest hamams, built by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in 1556, and the influential education establishments of Galatasaray University, Kabataş Private High School for Boys and Esma Hatun Seaside Mansion. Ortakoy presents you an adorable view along with its square and streets paved with rough cobblestone, various cafes standing on both the coastline and on cute cross streets on which the Ortaköy Bazaar is situated 600m waterfront length, which is the longest for a property on the Bosphorus, Dolmabahce Palace was built in 19th century and is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. The palace was commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid and it took 13 years to build the palace. It was completed in 1856, served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire until 1922. It is an ostentatious blend architectural styles including Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and modern Ottoman, dripping in luxury. The tour does not include internal visits except to the Dolmabahçe Palace ("Harem" and "Selamlik" sections). Guests in wheelchairs will only be able to visit the ground floor of Dolmabahçe Palace, which has a ramp at the entrance but no lift to visit the upper floors. As Dolmabahce Palace is closed to visit on Mondays, the tour is not available on Mondays. This tour is not including lunch.
- ISTANBUL
Full Day Istanbul - Istanbul Classics & Old City Tour.The tour includes professional guide, transfers and entrance fees): This walking tour will take you to Istanbul’s most important sites, including The Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern & Grand Bazaar. Istanbul’s Hippodrome was once the heart of Constantinople’s political and sports life and was the largest of its kind. Although very little of it remains today, it nevertheless is a significant historic site. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is an historic mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. Hagia Sophia is a magnificent architectural landmark, a monument that was important for both Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Hagia Sophia has always been one of the most impressive and important buildings ever constructed not only for its architectural feat but for the historical significance having been both a church and a mosque. Basilica is the largest underground cistern in Istanbul and is one of the magnificent ancient buildings of İstanbul, located in the southwest of Hagia Sofia. One of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world, Grand Bazaar, a mindboggling labyrinth of 4000 tiny shops selling jewellery, antiques, carpets, leatherwear and souvenirs. To take a well-deserved break from shopping, we recommend you to stop by one of the many famous coffee houses. This tour includes a total of about 2.5km walking on uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with inclines and a total of 35 steps; this tour is unsuitable for wheelchair users or guests using walkers. Guests of limited mobility are requested to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability before taking part. Guests are requested to wear appropriate attire for religious visits. Guests with any type of food intolerance are required to communicate it at least two days before their arrival. Guests are required to remove their shoes to enter to Blue Mosque. Popular locations may be crowded, and queues must be expected; we recommend staying with your guide all the time. On Sundays or public holidays, the visit to the Grand Bazaar will be replaced with a visit to the Arasta Bazaar. This tour is including lunch
- ISTANBUL
Airport-Port Panoramic Tour - All Istanbul's beauties and impressives views while passing by bus:
- Bosphorus Bridge: This bridge, connecting the European and Asian continents, is one of the symbols of Istanbul.
- Ortaköy Square and Mosque: This magnificent palace located on the shores of the Bosphorus is one of the important historical and architectural structures of the European side.
- Ortaköy Square and Mosque:Ortaköy Square and the adjacent Ortaköy Mosque, located on the shores of the Bosphorus, offer a stunning view.
- The Galata Tower: an iconic medieval landmark located in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey. Originally built in the 14th century as part of the Genoese fortifications, the tower has served various purposes throughout its history, including as a watchtower, prison, and fire observation tower. Today, it is one of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. The Galata Tower stands as a symbol of Istanbul's rich history and architectural heritage.
- The Maiden's Tower: located in the Bosphorus Strait, is an iconic symbol of Istanbul. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times and has served various purposes throughout its existence, including as a lighthouse, defense tower, and quarantine station. Today, it stands as a popular tourist destination offering stunning views of the city and the Bosphorus.
- The Princes' Islands: also known as Adalar in Turkish, are a group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul. They offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city, with their charming ambiance, picturesque landscapes, and historic buildings.
How to book your Stay & Cruise package?
Do you already have a booking? To book your hotel package call us at 877-665-4655
Valid on cruises from the following embarkation ports and ships:
- Civitavecchia on MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Musica , MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview (Summer 2024)
- Venice on MSC Armonia, MSC Lirica, MSC Sinfonia (Summer 2024)
- Piraeus on MSC Opera (Summer 2024)
- Miami on MSC Seascape, MSC Seaside (Summer 2024, Winter 2024-2025)
- New York on MSC Meraviglia (Summer 2024, Winter 2024-2025)
- Istanbul on MSC Sinfonia (Winter 2024-25)